CALL TO AMERICA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20547, 6 May 1941, Page 7

CALL TO AMERICA

ENTER WAR NOW NAVAL BELLIGERENT HARVARD CHIEF'S VIEW DANGER IN ATLANTIC (Elec. Tei. Copyright--United p ress Assn.) (Reed. May G, 9 a.m.) NEW YORK, May 5. Dr. J. B. Conant, president of Harvard University, in a broadcast over the nation-wide network, called upon the United States immediately to enter the war. “The hour for action has struck," he declared. “Our best hope of avoiding a later battle against desperate odds is to become a naval belligerent now. I believe the nation is ready to join in the fight for freedom." Dr. Conant said there was little chance that England would be overrun, but the critical danger was in the Atlantic. Future Offensive The New York Herald-Tribune reports that 17 prominent Americans, representing- a cross-section of military, naval, defence production and economists, joined in a statement asserting that the balance of victory in the war lies with Britain and will remain weighted in her favour so long as the United States continues the uninterrupted flow of essential materials and helps in guaranteeing their arrival. In an appraisal of the war thus far, the statement indicates the conviction that German victories are far from vital setbacks to Britain and foresees the time when, with America's help, Britain will take the offensive, first in the air and then with other weapons as well.